Courses Offered (AY2026/2027)

This course introduces students to computational thinking as applied to problems in science, with special emphasis on their implementation with Python/Python Notebook (Jupyter). A selection of examples will be chosen to illustrate (a) fundamentals of algorithm design in computer programming (b) solution interpretation, as well as (c) analysis of the computational solutions and data visualization using state-of-the-art tools in Python. The selection will tackle different types of approaches typically used in scientific computational thinking, including deterministic, probabilistic and approximation methods. The course will also highlight scientific computational issues such as accuracy and convergence of numerical results.

What is Science? How does it work? Why does it work? Not only will this course help answer these questions, but it will also hone the skills needed to negotiate a world in the post-truth era. These skills derive from the scientific method; the characteristic of modern science that has made it without a doubt the most successful endeavour in human history. These questions and these skills will be woven within a rich history of scientific accomplishment, culminating in an understanding of the frightening challenges we face to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss.

Machine learning (ML) is the dominant component of modern research in artificial intelligence. Although ML is largely associated with computer science and software engineering, many of its foundational techniques have historical roots in the natural and social sciences, and are commonly used in those fields. More recently, the rapid development of modern ML also has growing implications for practitioners of the arts and humanities. Using only high-school mathematics and no programming, this course will peer under the tech-centric outer hood of ML, and provide a conceptual-level introduction to the field as well as its most important techniques.

Course is intended for all CHS students interested in the way the natural sciences (physics, mathematics and chemistry) did progress through the ages, and the cultural background and impact of these developments. The main focus will not be solely on the triumphs of science: As much as looking at success stories, we will also examine cases when things went wrong and try to learn about the reasons and conditions that lead to such problematic situations. We will examine how progress depends critically not only on conditions within the scientific communities but also on wider societal, economic and cultural influences.

This course starts with an introduction to the historical perspective of astronomy. Planets then stood out as wanderers that moved among the stars. Over history, the study of planets has contributed much to science and the scientific method, and continues to do so today, illustrating the point that as we take in new discoveries, we may be forced to relook our old definitions and theories.

The development of space technology during the mid-20th century ushered in a new age of discovery in which outer space is explored for advancing scientific research, commercial use, and ensuring the future survival of humanity. This course illustrates the use of scientific method to study Solar System objects and their physical characteristics, particularly the presence of water and potential biomarkers, and the multiple considerations required in the development of technology for launching artificial satellites, space tourism, asteroid mining, deflecting a potentially hazardous asteroid, and space colonization.

Scientific description of the smallest components of matter (atoms and sub-atomic particles, light) has become known as “quantum theory”. It is one of the greatest triumphs of science: it is not a formalisation of evidence and intuition, but rather harnesses phenomena that are invisible to the naked eye and counter-intuitive. It shows how science can stand behind apparently outlandish claims, and put this knowledge to practical use. The “experimental metaphysics” aspect of quantum physics is introduced through the description of paradigmatic phenomena. Then the history and current challenges are presented, with a special focus on the emerging quantum technologies.

To early observers, Earth felt unmoving and residing at the center of the universe; the celestial objects were made of a heavenly, weightless element that naturally revolved around Earth. This course covers the history of cosmology from geocentrism and Aristotle’s physics to Einstein’s relativity and the Big Bang theory. Unsolved problems concerning the symmetry of the universe and existence of dark matter and dark energy, and philosophical questions concerning the theory of everything, origin of the universe, and existence of other universes will be addressed.

This course is intended for all CHS students interested in the application of science and scientific inquiry to a subject which is believed by most people to be far removed from science – music. The course covers the historical discovery and evolution of the musical scale systems on which all music is based, the physics and technology of musical instruments such as the modern piano, and more modern developments such as electronic music and instruments and the digitisation of music.

Medical technology is one of the most important applications of science and technology; it provides the means to protect and preserve lives in today’s world of ageing population, proliferation of chronic diseases, global pandemics and rising pollution. This course discusses the fusion of physics of biology that forms the basis of modern medical imaging and radiation therapy technology, and traces its roots from the foundational theories to its implementation in medical procedures. Students will learn how such technology is applied to disease management, as well as the modern innovations that pave the way towards the future of healthcare.

This course introduces earth and planetary science in an integrated manner through the intersection of physical geography and astronomy, providing students with an understanding of Earth as a planet, alien worlds, universal processes and life beyond Earth. In particular, the students will develop an understanding of processes common to planets, with a view to understanding the potential future human exploration and colonization of the solar system. This course will also highlight the key concepts shaping planetary system science and how discoveries from different fields are changing the interdisciplinary knowledge relevant to the earth and planetary science.

Carbon emissions from energy account for over two-thirds of all global emissions and offer an avenue for mitigating climate change via a transition to clean energy. Electrifying end-use sectors and shifting electricity production towards clean sources form the basis of the decarbonised energy transition. Challenges associated with decarbonisation require an interdisciplinary approach that considers scientific and socio-environmental constraints and opportunities. This course will introduce students to the pillars, major challenges and benefits of transitioning to clean energy. Students will learn how the harnessing of clean energy technologies can be optimised to ensure rapid and fair transition to a low/zero-carbon future.

The rapidly worsening problem of environmental pollution has gathered growing alarm worldwide. Air, water, land and plastic pollution transcend borders, threatening ecosystems and human health. While global warming has grabbed headlines in recent years, greenhouse gas emissions constitute only about one-fifth of all chemicals released into the environment. This course integrates multiple perspectives on pollution, including conceptual discussions of the physics of how pollutants are generated and the technology used for mitigation, the chemistry of pollutant transport and ecological damage, the biology of transmission pathways into the human body, and the psychology behind social media trends and resource over-consumption.